NSG trains in new modules to combat terror

May 25, 2009 17:24 IST

Six months after their successful commando operation in Mumbai, the National Security Guard is training its personnel on new modules to hone their urban warfare and specialised operational skills to thwart terror attacks in future.

The need for inclusion of new training modules was felt during the analysis and post-operation studies of "Operation Black Tornado", undertaken by the elite force to flush out the terrorists holed up in the Taj, Oberoi hotels and Nariman House during the 26/11 attack.

The NSG's 51 and 52 Special Action Group, tasked to carry out anti-hijack and anti-terror operations respectively, are undergoing training in new modules at its garrison in Manesar near Gurgaon.

Both the units are synchornising their operations and "learning from their individual experiences of work," which will help its commandos to accomplish success in "coordinated and well planned attacks" especially in an urban setup like Mumbai, a senior NSG officer said. While the NSG will very soon have its new hubs operational in various parts of the country and have new men on deputation from the Army, the existing commando units of the force are already testing with new weapons and tactics.

"After the Mumbai attacks a number of our men, who participated in the 'Operation Black Tornado,' went back to their native places. They are now back and are raring to go again," the officer said. The NSG is also looking ahead for its commando training with international anti-terror forces like Germany's GSG9 and others.

The force is in the process of equipping with new specialised lightweight and small weapons for enhanced firepower and precision marking. These arms would to be used in commando units during slithering down operation like the one executed at the Nariman House. The force is also in the process of enhancing its armoury with the induction of 128 SIG (SWAT) assault rifles and night vision devices which will help its commandos execute operations in the dark.The SIG SWAT rifle, used by NATO forces, is a gas-operated weapon which is equipped with a highly tested and accurate sighting system.

The commandos have also gone through the video footages of the Mumbai attack that the NSG has sourced from the national broadcaster Doordarshan and private television news channels and placed at the force museum in Manesar. In the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, the NSG has got land near the international airport in Delhi so that a small squad of the force can be immediately airlifted for operations, cutting short the travel time from Manesar.